DStv and GOtv prices are going up in Kenya, while Showmax subscription reduces
The company says the hikes reflect rising operational costs and investments in content.
Streaming is winning the war for viewers, and MultiChoice knows it. That’s why its latest move in Kenya feels like more than just a price update—it’s a strategic pivot.
Starting August 1, 2025, DStv and GOtv subscriptions in the country will go up between 4% and 7%. For example, DStv’s Family plan will increase from KES 2,100 to KES 2,250, while Compact users pay KES 4,200 instead of KES 3,900.
Meanwhile, Showmax—MultiChoice’s streaming service—will cut its prices significantly. The General Entertainment plan drops from KES 650 to KES 550, and the Mobile-only plan is sliding from KES 300 to just KES 200.
MultiChoice explains the DStv and GOtv price increases as a response to rising operational costs and investments in new local and international content. But they’re also under pressure as subscriber numbers are slipping.
Specifically, Kenya forms a significant part of the 1.2 million subscriber drop across Africa recently, and revenue dipped 8% year-over-year. However, cutting Showmax’s fees seems more like a strategic tug-of-war.
Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video are all gunning for Kenyan viewers, often with competitive pricing or local content. So, by making Showmax more affordable, MultiChoice is trying to undercut competitors to grow its streaming base before it loses more customers.
Louis Eriakha
Price increase isn't something new to MultiChoice consumers in Africa. The company has been constantly increasing fees in places like Nigeria, Uganda, and South Africa for the past two years.
In those years, the company has also lost 2.8 million subscribers and seen a $576 million impact from currency drops, piracy, and competition. To make matters even worse, MultiChoice was recently fined ₦766 million ($510,000) by Nigeria’s data protection regulator for privacy violations.
MultiChoice is now navigating turbulent waters: rising costs, shrinking audience, stiff competition, and regulatory risks. Hiking prices on DStv and GOtv may shore up immediate revenue, but cutting Showmax costs shows they know streaming’s future is on the line.
For Kenyan consumers, the shift means weighing access and budget, choosing between pricier traditional TV or cheaper on-demand options. The next move could define who wins the battle for Africa’s screens.
Oyinebiladou Omemu
